Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
- A well-implemented herd health plan is the cornerstone of a profitable pig farming operation.
- With a shift away from antibiotics, the industry is placing greater emphasis on vaccination as a preventive measure.
- Vaccination programmes for weaners vary according to the farm’s disease profile.
- Most micronutrients are included in properly balanced and formulated commercial feed, so supplementation should be minimal. However, there are critical exceptions.
- With the right vaccinations, timely supplements, and sound management, you can prevent disease, boost productivity, and maximise profitability.
A well-implemented herd health plan is the cornerstone of a profitable pig farming operation. According to Dr Christo Fick, a consultant with Agri FARMACY SA, healthy animals perform better – an essential factor in an industry where profit margins are tight.
Every farm has unique health challenges influenced by factors such as region-specific disease prevalence, climate, management practices, and housing conditions. For this reason, herd health plans should be tailored in consultation with a veterinarian. Dr Fick notes a growing trend towards specific-pathogen-free (SPF) herds that are free from diseases such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.
When introducing new animals, it is crucial to know the health status of the source herd, as this information helps determine the necessary vaccinations. With a shift away from antibiotics, the industry is placing greater emphasis on vaccination as a preventive measure – particularly for breeding and weaner pigs.
Vaccination of breeding pigs
- Parvovirus is found locally and globally and can cause reproductive issues such as stillbirths, mummified foetuses, and abortions. Infected sows typically show no signs of disease but can still transmit the virus to their unborn piglets. Because the virus is highly resistant and persists in the environment for long periods, vaccination is essential.
- Diamond skin disease (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae) remains relevant despite being an older disease. Infected pigs can become lifelong carriers and certain circumstances, such as stress, may trigger clinical signs. The disease can present acutely, with sudden death, or more commonly in a subacute form characterised by distinctive diamond-shaped skin lesions. It may also affect joints and heart valves.
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that causes abortions, stillbirths, and weak newborn piglets. It is transmitted through urine, especially from rodents (mice and rats), and can result in kidney problems and lifelong carrier status.
Combination vaccines are available for these diseases, and veterinarians can advise on the most appropriate products. For previously unvaccinated animals, two doses are recommended three weeks apart, with the final dose administered three weeks before mating. Booster doses can then be given two to three weeks prior to each mating period. “Don’t forget about boars,” Dr Fick adds. “They should be vaccinated twice a year.”
Vaccinations for pregnant sows
One of the most common health challenges in young pigs is diarrhoea. The main culprits are Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens. E. coli causes watery diarrhoea, which can quickly lead to dehydration and death. Clostridium bacteria cause bloody diarrhoea, especially in very young piglets. Both diseases are preventable through vaccination of sows during pregnancy. The resulting maternal antibodies are passed to piglets through colostrum.
For unvaccinated sows, two doses are recommended, with the second dose administered at least three weeks before farrowing. In sows already on a routine vaccination programme, a single booster around three weeks before farrowing is sufficient.
Vaccinations for weaners
Dr Fick says vaccination programmes for weaners vary according to the farm’s disease profile. Two major diseases to consider are:
- Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, whichcauses chronic pneumonia. While it may not cause immediate death, it does reduce growth rates and feed conversion efficiency. It damages the respiratory tract lining (mucous membranes), making pigs more susceptible to other pathogens such as Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Farms that are not SPF should seriously consider vaccination.
- Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) is linked to post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which leads to poor growth, weight loss, paleness, and sometimes jaundice. PCV2 is also associated with porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). It is a condition characterised by skin lesions and kidney damage, which may exacerbate herd losses. While mortality may be low, the impact on productivity is significant. There is no treatment – vaccination is the only effective defence.
The role of supplements
According to Dr Fick, most micronutrients are included in properly balanced and formulated commercial feed, so supplementation should be minimal. However, there are critical exceptions:
- Iron: Piglets are born with low iron reserves, and sow milk contains insufficient iron. Without supplementation, piglets grow poorly, are prone to disease, and may die. A registered, safe iron injection should be administered early – ideally on the first day of life.
- Coccidiosis: This environmentally driven disease causes chronic diarrhoea and stunted growth in young piglets. It can be prevented through early administration of a suitable antiparasitic product, either orally or by injection.
“Your farm’s health plan shouldn’t mirror your neighbour’s,” Dr Fick concludes. “It must be customised to your specific circumstances, in partnership with your veterinarian. With the right vaccinations, timely supplements, and sound management, you can prevent disease, boost productivity, and maximise profitability.” – Christal-Lize Muller, Plaas Media
For more information, contact Dr Christo Fick at 083 225 3627 or Christo@agrifarmacysa.co.za
